CAASPP
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Every year, California students take several statewide tests. When combined with other measures such as grades, class work, and teacher observations, these tests give families and teachers a more complete picture of their child’s learning. You can use the results to identify where your child is doing well and where they might need more support.
This year, your child will take the following test(s), depending on their grade level:
CAASPP: Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Math
Who takes these tests? Students in grades 3–8.
What is the test format? The Smarter Balanced assessments are computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Common Core State Standards.
CAASPP: California Science Test (CAST)
Who takes the test? Students take the CAST in grades 5 and 8.
What is the test format? The CAST is computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).
ELPAC
Who takes the test? Students who have a home language survey that lists a language other than English will take the Initial test, which identifies students as an English learner student or as initially fluent in English. Students who are classified as English learner students will take the Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English.
What is the test format? Both the Initial and Summative ELPAC are computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The 2012 California English Language Development Standards.
Physical Fitness Test
Who takes the test? Students in grades 4-8 will take the FITNESSGRAM®, which is the test used in California.
What is the test format? The test consists of five performance components: aerobic capacity, abdominal strength, trunk strength, upper body strength, and flexibility.
Which standards are tested? The Healthy Fitness Zones, which are established through the FITNESSGRAM®.
Please remember, the results from this test aren’t meant to tell the whole story. Your child’s scores are meant to be one of several ways for you and your child’s teacher to see how your student is progressing in their development in school. Test scores, along with student report cards and teacher’s observations of your child’s performance in the classroom, are used together to form a complete picture of your child’s development and achievement.
You are an important part of your child’s education. To help your child get ready for these assessments you can:
- Talk about the test with your child and assure them they do not need to feel anxious.
- Tell your child that you and their teacher have high expectations and are both there to help, every step of the way.
- Take a practice test with your child.
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before testing.
To learn more about the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments or the CAST, go to the California Department of Education Starting Smarter Webpage for families https://ca.startingsmarter.org/. You also can look at sample test questions use practice tests on this site as well. Pursuant to California Education code 60615, parent/guardians must provide a written request to school officials if they wish to excuse his or her child from any or all parts of the assessments.
Please make sure that students are here for the days they are testing, and arrive to school on time so they can feel relaxed and secure entering assessment blocks. You will find a testing calendar below for your reference.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mary Spickler at (626) 856-1693 ext. 4006, or email [email protected]. We urge all of our families to have your children here on scheduled days of testing so they can test with their teachers and classmates in their most familiar settings. Thank you for your continued support in helping us meet your child’s educational needs. Please see the attached testing calendar to know when your chil(ren) will be testing.
Sincerely,
Mary Spickler
Administrator, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Physical Fitness Testing: Grades 4-8, March 1-May 19
ELPAC Testing: Grades 4-8, March 15-30 / Grades TK-2, April 11-May 12
SBAC Schedule April/May 2023
Dear Families,
Please support your children in doing their very best on their assessments test by:
- Getting to bed early and getting a good night’s sleep
- Waking with plenty of time in the morning to be on time to school
- Having a protein-filled, nutritious breakfast. School breakfast is open at 7:15am.
- Junior Academy students MUST have their laptop fully charged and ready.
- A smile, a hug, and your confidence that they are AWESOME and will be GREAT!
We appreciate all you do to keep these young sharks learning and growing!